Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
05:02

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain

Published on: October 2, 2018

Rare Listeria monocytogenes brain abscess presenting as a tunnel-like lesion in an immunocompromised patient

Teymine Andreasyan1, Tim Vanderhasselt2

  • 1Department of Radiology, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium. teymine.andreasyan@vub.be.

Acta Neurologica Belgica
|June 25, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Listeria monocytogenes brain abscesses are rare, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals and the elderly. A distinctive tunnel-like MRI appearance may indicate this pathogen, likely due to intra-axonal spread.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Cerebral abscesses are uncommon, particularly those caused by Listeria monocytogenes.
  • Listeria monocytogenes infections predominantly affect immunocompromised patients and the elderly.
  • The characteristic imaging findings of Listeria monocytogenes brain abscesses are not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the clinical and radiological features of cerebral abscesses caused by Listeria monocytogenes.
  • To highlight the potential pathognomonic MRI findings associated with Listeria monocytogenes brain abscesses.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical data and neuroimaging studies of patients diagnosed with Listeria monocytogenes cerebral abscesses.
  • Detailed analysis of MRI characteristics, focusing on lesion morphology and location.

Main Results:

  • Listeria monocytogenes cerebral abscesses are rare, with a predilection for immunocompromised and elderly populations.
  • A characteristic "tunnel-like" appearance on MRI was observed in these abscesses.
  • This unique MRI feature is hypothesized to result from the intra-axonal spread of Listeria monocytogenes.

Conclusions:

  • Cerebral abscesses due to Listeria monocytogenes, though rare, present with a distinctive "tunnel-like" MRI finding.
  • This MRI feature may be pathognomonic, suggesting intra-axonal spread as the underlying mechanism.
  • Early recognition of this imaging pattern can aid in the diagnosis and management of Listeria monocytogenes brain infections.
Keywords:
Brain abscessImmunocompromised patientListeria monocytogenesTunnel-like lesions

More Related Videos

Oral Transmission of Listeria monocytogenes in Mice via Ingestion of Contaminated Food08:38

Oral Transmission of Listeria monocytogenes in Mice via Ingestion of Contaminated Food

Published on: May 6, 2013

Related Concept Videos

Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...